Here's The History Of Santa, So Get Those Cookies And Milk Ready — VIDEO

If finding out that Santa isn’t real was one of the big disappointments of your childhood, I have good news for you — he does exist! And BuzzFeed is here to answer all your questions in their latest video exploring the history of Santa. Finally, the truth about Old Saint Nic is revealed! Santa is a “jolly old elf” of many names — Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Saint Nicolas (in France he’s Père Noël). His ever evolving title has a lot to do with his centuries-old and cross-cultural origins.

Santa wasn’t always the immortal chubby man who squeezes down your chimney on Christmas Eve in order to eat your food, and then sneaks off on a sleigh pulled by flying behooved reindeer. How did his myth evolve into this red-suited man with the big white beard who somehow is always watching you to see if you’re being naughty or nice? Heck, this would be any child’s nightmare if he didn’t bring you presents! The origins of Santa are actually a little less creepy. His character is based on a monk who lived in the second century A.D., near what is today modern-day Turkey. Nicholas was known for his generosity, piety, and kindness. He was also seen as the protector of children, and a great giver of gifts (as he gave away all his inherited fortune). He became the extremely popular and much admired St. Nicholas. Especially beloved by the Dutch, who brought his legend to America. His popularity grew in New York, with help of writers propagating his legend such as Washington Irving and Clement Clarke Moore, and the rest, my friend, is history.

So what important Santa facts will you need to know in order to impress at the next Christmas Party?

How Santa Came To Exist

St. Nicholas was a pretty cool guy — and he loved giving presents!

How Santa Got His Name

Which was then anglicized to Santa Claus. So we can thank the Dutch for that!

How Santa Got His Unique Look

This drawing of Santa was inspired by the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" otherwise known as, "The Night Before Christmas," which was published a few years earlier. The jolly large man with a white beard, rosy cheeks, and a pipe has stayed pretty much the same ever since.